Construction Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Construction Design Manager

Company: McDonald's Corporation

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Construction & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-25

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and drive the design process for all new build and refurbishment projects within the UK & Ireland, ensuring alignment with business needs and global design standards.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with acquisition, project management, restaurant services, and operations teams to deliver efficient and compliant design solutions.

• Manage external architectural partners and internal design working groups, facilitating effective communication and decision-making.

• Ensure all designs adhere to current Building and Welfare Regulations, and maintain meticulous documentation and version control of design materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for ensuring the physical infrastructure of McDonald's restaurants in the UK and Ireland meets evolving business requirements, customer expectations, and regulatory standards. It bridges the gap between strategic development and on-the-ground execution, requiring a deep understanding of construction, design principles, and operational needs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and continuously improve new restaurant designs through collaboration with external Architects, aligning with business needs and evolving customer experiences.

• Partner with the acquisition and project management teams to identify and implement the most efficient design solutions for bespoke new build projects.

• Manage the Design Working Group process, including reviewing and approving all bespoke new build and reimage project designs in conjunction with Restaurant Services.

• Communicate new design guidance and updates to Project Management teams through regular presentations and documentation.

• Interpret and adapt Global Design Studio standards for effective implementation within the UK & Ireland market.

• Collaborate closely with the UK & Ireland Procurement Manager to ensure the availability and integration of all furniture and fixture elements.

• Conduct site visits to existing, converted, and new restaurants to critique work, ensure design compliance, and identify areas for improvement.

• Oversee the ongoing performance and relationship management of external Architects, facilitating design meetings and workshops with all internal and external stakeholders.

• Maintain comprehensive documentation and ensure accurate version control of all design-related materials and specifications.

• Ensure strict compliance with all relevant Building and Welfare Regulations throughout the design and construction phases.

• Work cross-functionally with teams including Restaurant Services, National Operations, Development, Marketing, Technology, Security, Hygiene, and Environment to integrate design considerations.

• Conduct competitor visits to gather insights on market trends, potential threats, and emerging opportunities relevant to restaurant design and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on role requiring a blend of strategic design thinking and practical project oversight. The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and managing external partners is key to success in this role within a large, established organization like McDonald's.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Diploma or equivalent qualification in a construction-related design field.

• Membership of a relevant professional institute (e.g., RIBA, RICS, CIAT) is desirable. Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a design management role, with a strong preference for experience within the retail construction or fast-food/QSR industry.

• Proven track record in managing the design lifecycle of construction projects from conception to completion. Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in overseeing and coordinating architectural and interior design processes.

• Construction Processes: In-depth understanding of construction methodologies, materials, and project execution.

• Project Lifecycle Management: Ability to manage projects from initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure.

• Space Planning: Demonstrable strong skills in optimizing layout and flow within restaurant environments.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for liaising with diverse stakeholders.

• Negotiation: Proficiency in negotiating with architects, contractors, and suppliers.

• Organizational Ability: Exceptional skills in managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.

• Building & Welfare Regulations: Familiarity with UK Building Regulations and Health & Safety/Welfare Regulations.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships across all levels of the business and with external partners.

• Version Control: Experience in managing and maintaining accurate documentation and design revisions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience interpreting and implementing global design standards into local markets.

• Knowledge of procurement processes related to construction materials and furnishings.

• Familiarity with CAD software or other design visualization tools.

• Experience in competitor analysis and market trend identification for design innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a practical, hands-on approach to design management within a high-volume, brand-sensitive retail environment. The preference for retail construction experience and knowledge of specific regulations is crucial for a role at McDonald's.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Showcase: A curated selection of past design projects, clearly demonstrating your role, responsibilities, and the scale of projects managed. This should include examples of new build designs and refurbishments.

• Process Optimization Examples: Case studies illustrating how you have improved design processes, led to cost efficiencies, or enhanced project timelines through innovative design solutions.

• Regulatory Compliance Documentation: Examples of how you have ensured designs meet building codes and welfare regulations, perhaps through checklists, approval processes, or problem-solving scenarios.

• Stakeholder Collaboration Evidence: Visuals or descriptions of design presentations, workshops, or collaborative sessions with internal teams (e.g., Operations, Marketing) and external partners (e.g., Architects).

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting design workflows from concept development through to final sign-off, detailing key stages and decision points.

• Provide examples of process improvements you have implemented to streamline design approvals, manage revisions, or enhance communication between design teams and project managers.

• Showcase your approach to measuring the success of design implementations, linking design decisions to operational efficiency, customer experience, or cost-effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio should not just showcase aesthetic design but also the manager's ability to translate strategic vision into practical, compliant, and efficient construction designs. Emphasis should be placed on process, collaboration, and quantifiable outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the location in London, the experience level (5-10 years), and the nature of the role within a major corporation like McDonald's, an estimated salary range for a Construction Design Manager in London would typically fall between £55,000 and £75,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the UK construction and retail sectors, adjusted for the London cost of living and the specific responsibilities outlined. Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: A salary within the estimated range, reflecting your experience and contributions.

• Inclusive Culture: Access to a diverse